March 18, 2026 - 212 views
Children and families living in poverty across Wales are continuing to face serious health and wellbeing challenges due to poor housing conditions, according to a new report.
Published by Public Health Wales, the study highlights how cold, damp and overcrowded homes are impacting children’s development, education and long-term life chances.
The report, A Place to Thrive, draws on the real-life experiences of families, revealing the daily struggles many face. Words such as “traumatising”, “overcrowded” and “embarrassing” were used by participants to describe their living conditions.
In one case, a family forced into temporary hotel accommodation after their landlord sold their home described the toll it took on their children, who became withdrawn and struggled at school. The pressure also had a severe impact on the parents’ mental health.
Another parent spoke of persistent damp and mould in their home, which repeatedly made her young son — who has a heart condition — unwell. Despite attempts to fix the issue, the problems kept returning, while another child in the family now relies on an inhaler, particularly during the colder months.
Public Health Wales says such conditions are not isolated cases and are contributing to wider health issues, including respiratory problems, stress and increased illness — particularly among children.
In areas of North Wales, where older housing stock and rising living costs can add extra pressure, the findings are likely to strike a chord with many families already struggling to keep homes warm and in good condition.
Dr Joe Rees, Senior Policy Officer at Public Health Wales, said the report highlights the urgent need for change.
He said the experiences shared show the real human impact of poor housing and underline the importance of creating homes that support health and wellbeing.
The report sets out four key priorities to help shape a healthier future for housing in Wales. These include putting health and wellbeing at the centre of housing policy, involving families directly in decision-making, improving collaboration between organisations, and using better data and assessments to guide future developments.
It also points to practical solutions, such as increasing the supply of affordable and social housing, improving standards in the private rental sector, and focusing more on early intervention to prevent problems before they escalate.
Housing experts say the issue goes far beyond bricks and mortar. A safe, warm and secure home is widely recognised as one of the most important foundations for a healthy life — particularly for children.
For families across North Wales and beyond, the report is a stark reminder that while housing is often seen as a basic need, for many it remains a daily struggle — and one that can shape health, happiness and opportunity for years to come.
